Finding Contentment in Motherhood

“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.”-Laura Ingalls Wilder

New Years resolutions; they are motivating and exciting for some, gives people the fire they need to make a change in their life they might have been avoiding. But for me, making resolutions are much more daunting and overwhelming. You see the commercials; new year, new you. Loose weight, save time, save money, spend money on the newest tech advancement, join this club, read these books, cook like a chef, look like a model, wear these clothes, get a better car, house, job, the list goes on…

On a recent trip to visit our family for Christmas my niece received a gift which was the box set of one of my favorite childhood shows; Little House on the Prairie. I remember as a kid watching those shows with my mom and sisters. We would go out into our yard and pretend to be the Ingalls girls running down the field with bonnets, lunch pails and pig tails. We would imagine ourselves fetching water from the creek, cooking by fire and even having an outhouse. It might seem like such a simple game to play, but we would be busy for hours. Re-watching the show with my niece brought back so many fond memories and got me thinking…

After our time had come to an end with our family, we made our daunting trip home back to southern California (9 hours by car with a 3 year old and one year old, I could only imagine what that would have been like in a horse covered wagon with no heat/AC/DVD player, etc…).

The next few days we began the unpacking, the laundry, the removal of all the Christmas decorations and just getting back into the swing of life after the holidays. That’s when it hit me. I had this overwhelming feeling that I needed to be making some new years resolution(s). What was I going to change, alter, make better, accomplish in the year 2017? I began thinking that what I was currently doing was just not good enough, there must be something that I needed to upgrade.

As a stay at home mom I started the annual, should I go back to work? Find a part time job to help with the finances? If so, where would I begin? Could I find a job that would work around my kids being my first priority? Maybe it was not the job that was needing a change, maybe it was how I was spending my time? Time? What time? I didn’t seem to have much extra time on my hands. In fact, I felt so tired. Tired from staying up nights with a sick or teething baby, tired of the every day errands, chores, taking care of the kids, Tired! My tank was on empty! I remember actually texting my sister one morning after we had all come down with the stomach flu that I was so sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. How was I supposed to set new years goals when I didn’t even feel rested enough to think clearly.

Then just when I felt like I was spiraling in an endless circle, I read something…“The reason why you’re tired all the time is you have a power shortage. And the reason you have a power shortage is because you’re not plugged in to God’s power…a toaster unplugged is worthless. A vacuum cleaner has no purpose if it’s not plugged in to the power source.” -Rick Warren

This one paragraph hit me right where I needed it. It was like it was written for me. I had been without the true power source. He went on to further say… “This is not positive mental attitude. This is not self-help psychology. This is not pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps thinking. No. This is supernatural power.”

I focused on this idea and the next few days I realized every single devotional I read kept leading me in the direction I knew God needed me to be in this new year. One word: Contentment.

For years I had dreamed and prayed for a career doing what I loved, then I dreamed of a husband who would sweep me off my feet, then I prayed long and hard for our family of two to be joined by the pitter patter of little feet. God had answered my prayers. He gave me everything I have ever dreamed of. So why was I being so ungrateful? Had I forgotten all the blessings I had already been given? I didn’t need the newest iPhone upgrade, a shiny new car, or even a fancy new job title. What I needed was to go onto my knees and thank God!

In a world with so many distractions it is so easy to get lost in what we think we should be doing with our own lives (especially if you are comparing your life to someone else’s seemingly more glamorous life). But as I watched those episodes of Little House on the Prairie I was reminded that sometimes being thankful for the most simple things in your life can be the most rewarding andfulfilling. So the only new years resolutions I will be making this year is to be thankful and proud of my current titles; wife, mom, sister, daughter and friend.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

If you would like to receive Rick Warren’s Daily Devotional you can go here.

I love this post Jenny. I totally agree with what you\’re saying–we\’ve been blessed with so much and we need to be thankful for the things we have NOW, not the things we think we think will make us happy.

Beautiful photos and words Jenny! I was feeling so tired and worn out these past few days that I actually had an emotional breakdown last night…I thought I cant do this!! Why is motherhood so hard….then of course my son smiles at me, my kids give me a hug and tell me they love me and I feel better..then the guilt comes back. Anyway, thanks so much for this post. It helped to put things back into perspective. You’re right. I have everything I wanted, why am I still complaining?

You’re awesome. And I can totally see you as the girl on Little House On The Prairie. I used to love that show too as a little girl. Cheers to a brighter new year mama!

I am so glad that this post hit home for you! Its so hard not to get wrapped up in the things that are not going our way, but with a little perspective God can totally change our point of view!;) XOXO!

I know I’ve said this before, but those pictures are gorgeous! Only thing missing is the hubby 😉 I absolutely adore Little House on the Prairie and did the same as you, played for hours pretending I was fetching water and making mud pies in the backyard. I love contentment and gratitude for this year. Be proud of who you are and know that you are shaping the next generation to be kind, thoughtful and caring, just as you are.

Jenny your blogs are always a pleasure to read. I think you message is so clear and sometimes we need that reminder that we can accomplish anything through God’s power and grace. We live in a world that constantly takes our attention from Him and puts in on material things. We don’t need all these things to be happy. I do believe in New Year’s Resolutions but I always set one attainable goal year by year. My aim is to slowly over time become a better person by incorporating elements into my life that give God thanks and glory such as living a healthy lifestyle (eating better exercising) which shows I care about the body he has given me, helping those in need, better organization so I can more time with the people I love, including God. Thanks for sharing! Great Resolution! Samara

Wow, Jenny! Just like that quote was just what you needed to hear your post was just what I needed to read. : ) I thought about the exact same things this new year and felt the same way. God just asks us to give Him glory and praise in all seasons. Keeping our trust in Him. Thanks for sharing, Jenny! Your posts are always a blessing!

Stephanie, So glad this met you right where you needed it! That is my continual prayer…that my writing will give God the glory and help at least one person at time! May you know you are a supermom and a cherished daughter of the King! Sending love your way!

I was the mother of four beautiful daughters. When they were young, I thought I was very busy, staying up often during the night. Then they became involved in school and social activities, and I continued staying up often during the night. Now that I am much older, I must say, being tired, shows NO age discrimination!
I can not agree more…are source of not only energy, but survival, hope and joy IS being plugged into the Lord!!! Thanks for a great word of encouragement!

Beautiful!! I too as you know love little house and often long for the simple life they all enjoy ( with the exception of indoor plumbing of course 😉) Last New Year’s Day when I was reflecting on how it’s a fresh start, God whispered in my heart how every day is a fresh start with Him! I changed how I viewed New Years although I still have resolutions like this years ” less is more” and don’t say yes to anything until running it by God first so I don’t feel harried by all I’ve committed too😃 I love what God is speaking to your heart, and I love seeing Him work in you and your families life!! I’m so blessed and honored to call you my dear friend, now let’s go grab our lunch pails and go play at the creek!😊